History of Mercer County, Pennsylvania : its past and present, Part 112

Author:
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk
Number of Pages: 1288

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he was elected a justice of the peace, but could not devote much time to the affairs of the office, though he did considerable work in drawing up deeds, legal documents, etc. In religion Mr. Agnew always took an active and ear- nest part, being a leading member of the Presbyterian Church. He was elect- ed an elder of the Fourth Street Church in Wheeling, and was honored with that position in the church of his choice wherever he resided. He was prom- inent in organizing the church here, and lived to see a very neat edifice erected and dedicated but a short time before his death, toward the building of which he contributed liberally. Mr. Agnew was married in Pittsburgh, De- cember 29, 1829, to Miss Eliza C. Lightner, Rev. Francis Herron, D. D., per- forming the ceremony. The deceased left two children: Charles E. and Mary. His widow died February 6, 1888, a consistent member of the Presby - terian Church. Her four oldest children also are dead. Their names were John L., Theodore P., William H. and David L. John L. has one son, J. Ford, who lives in St. Louis, Mo .; Theodore P. has one daughter, Nellie, who lives with her mother at Fredericksburg, Md.

PHILIP J. BARTLESON was born in Campbell County, Ky., October 20, 1837. In 1840 his father moved to Wheeling, Va., where he purchased, in connection with James E. Wharton, the Daily Times and Gazette, a Whig journal, in which office the subject of this sketch learned the printer's trade. At that time this was the best printing office in the State outside of Richmond, having six presses in the jobbing department, with bindery, etc. Mr. Bartle- son had three brothers, Charles, Frederick and William, Charles and Fred- erick being older and William younger. The two first named also learned the printer's trade. Charles started with the "forty-niners" to California, but died on the way from illness contracted on shipboard. Frederick became a lawyer, and settled in Joliet, Ill., and was, during the war, colonel of the One Hundredth Illinois Infantry. He was killed at the battle of Kenesaw Mount- ain. William was a private in the Sixty-ninth New York Infantry, and was killed in the Wilderness. In 1858 Mr. Bartleson went to Waynesburg, Greene Co., Penn., with his father, where they published the Republican. In 1861 Mr. Bartleson was married to Miss Margaret, daughter of Jesse Rinehart, Esq., of Waynesburg, and moved to Brooklyn, N. Y., where he was employed on the Times. In 1866 he moved to Pittsburgh, and was engaged on the Gazette, where he remained until 1869, when he moved to Greenville, this county, and became a silent partner of Jacob Miller in the publication of the Argus, but withdrew just before the sale of the paper to W. F. Chalfant. In August, 1871, he assumed the editorship and management of the Advertiser, and has been in charge of the paper since. In politics Mr. Bartleson is a conservative Republican, He has never held an office,. with the exception of school director of Sharpsville, which position he is now holding, serving his twelfth year, or fourth successive term.

REV. SAMUEL L. BOSTON was born November 8, 1859, near Mercer, He is the son of Adam Boston, deceased, and Christena (Crill) Boston. His early life was spent on the farm of his father, except only the time spent at school. Beginning his higher studies under Dr. I. C. Ketler, at Grove City, he grad- uated in the academy in 1878, and thence he pursued his collegiate studies at Wooster, Ohio, where he graduated in June, 1883. In the fall of 1883 he entered his theological course at the Western Theological Seminary of Alle- gheny City, where he graduated in May, 1886. His first year after leaving the seminary was spent in supplying the churches of Cool Spring and Fredonia, in his native county. During this year he enjoyed a great outpouring of the Spirit on his work, and received about 100 members into the two churches. In

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July, 1887, he received a call to the Presbyterian Church of Sharpsville, which he accepted, and he is now settled pastor of that church, being ordained and installed at that place in September, 1887. In 1886, July 29, Rev. Boston was married to Jennie P. Keifer, of Allegheny City, and a graduate of Curry Musical Conservatory.' Mrs. Boston was the daughter of A. S. and Maggie (Barclay) Keifer. Rev. Boston and wife are the possessors of one infant son, whom they have named John Keifer Boston.

REV. THOMAS J. CLARK, pastor of St. Bartholomew Church, is a son of Patrick and Catherine (Hughes) Clark, natives of Ireland, who immigrated to this country in 1850, and settled in Silver Lake Township, Susquehanna Co., Penn., where our subject was born in 1854. His early life was spent upon the homestead farm, and his primary education was received at the common schools. He afterward entered the commercial college of Binghamton, N. Y., from which he graduated in September, 1871. He then entered St. Bonne- venture College, in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., and was ordained priest Decem- ber 28, 1879, by the Rt. Rev. Tobias Mullen, of Erie. He was then appointed assistant pastor at Ridgeway, Elk Co. Penn., where he remained four months, and was next assistant pastor at Kersey, Penn., where he remained nine months, and was then appointed assistant at Bradford, Mckean Co., Penn. He was afterward appointed to take charge of the parish located at Petroleum Centre, Venango Co., Penn., where he remained five years. October 1, 1885, he became pastor of his present parish, and August 16, 1886, his church was destroyed by fire. He has since rebuilt the present substantial brick edifice, which is entirely clear of debt. In connection with his Sharpsville charge Father Clark's pastoral duties include the missions located at Neshannock and Wheatland.

GEORGE D. DEVITT, superintendent of Perkins & Co.'s blast furnace, is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Dean) Devitt, natives of Lincoln County, Canada, where our subject was born in 1844. He received his education at the public schools, and at the age of fifteen commenced his business career as a clerk in the store of Henry Dilts, of Wellandport, Canada, with whom he remained for six years. He then engaged with his father as superintendent of his saw-mill. In 1866 he came to Sharon, Penn., and engaged with Runser, Carver & Trout as superintendent of their planing mill, where he remained till 1869, when he located at Jamestown, Penn., and engaged in the planing-mill business for himself. In 1880 he removed to Sharpsville and engaged with Perkins & Co. as book-keeper, which position he filled for four years, when he was placed in his present position as superintendent. Our subject was married in December, 1873, to Miss Mary W., daughter of John S. King, of Sharon, Penn., and by this union they have born to them two children: Carrie E. and John K. Mr. Devitt is a member of F. & A. M., Lodge 424, of Jamestown, Penn., also of the A. O. U. W., Lodge No. 17, of Sharpsville, Penn., and is a mem- ber of the Baptist Church.

G. M. DULL, millwright, was born in Centre County, Penn., September 18, 1829, and is a son of George and Mary C. (Weaver) Dull, who were mar- ried February 19, 1816. Six children were born to them: Elizabeth A., wife of A. T. Watson; Wilhelm A., John B., deceased; Margaret S., wife of Eli Woods; Hannah W., deceased, and George M. Our subject's educational advantages were very limited. He commenced work in a woolen factory at the age of twelve, where he remained for six years. He then learned the wagon- making trade, which he followed until 1862. In August, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company H, One Hundred and Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the Fourteenth Army Corps, and participated in all the

HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY. 839

battles in which his regiment and corps were engaged, and Sherman's famous march to the sea. He went through the war without receiving a wound, and was mustered out as orderly sergeant June 9, 1865. After coming home from the army he removed to Clarksville, Mercer County, and started a carriage fac- tory under the firm name of G. M. Dull & Co., which he conducted a few years. Subsequently he purchased the interest of the silent partner, William Dickson, and continued that business until 1871, when he removed to Sharps- ville, and engaged in the same business with Thomas Eagan, under the firm name of Dull & Eagan, which they carried on until 1874. He then sold his interest to Daniel Eagan, and since that time has principally been engaged in the millwright business, which business he is now following. Our subject was married on the 4th of July, 1860, to Hannah, daughter of William and Mable Levingston. Two children were born to them: Mary E., wife of Frank Fitch, Hartford, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and William Sherman. Our subject is a stanch Republican, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. and R. T. of T., being a strong advocate of temperance.

SAMUEL DUNHAM, merchant, is a son of George and Jane (Hodge) Dunham. The grandfather of our subject, Jonathan Dunham, who married Mary Clark, was a native of New Jersey, who came to Mercer County at an early date and took up a large tract of land, which was located where the borough of Sharps- ville now stands. He died in 1856. He had eleven children: Justus, Mar- garet, who married Henry Dunlap; George, Nancy, Mrs. William Moyer; Experience, Mrs. Thomas Ferguson; Clark, Azariah, Phenias, Rachel, Mrs. Robert Jackson; James, who died in 1846; Mary, Mrs. Daniel Groscost, and George, the father of our subject, whose family consisted of seven children: Jonathan, deceased, who served three years in the Tenth Regiment, Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Cavalry; Robert, who died from the effect of a wound received in the war, and was a member of the Sixty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers; Samuel, Mary, deceased; George, deceased; Jane and Phenias. George died in 1871, and his wife in 1878. Samuel, our subject. was born in 1838, and was reared and educated in Pymatuning Township. His first employ - ment was as a clerk for his uncle, Samuel Hodge, a merchant of Sharpsville. Subsequently he was employed by his father in stone quarrying and stone cutting. On August 10, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Sixty-third Penn- sylvania Volunteers, and served three years, participating in all the engage- ments from Yorktown to the engagement at Weldon Railroad, which included Fair Oaks, Seven Days' Fight, second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellors- ville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Har- bor and Petersburg. In 1865 he engaged in the grocery business in Sharps- ville, which he now conducts. Our subject was married in 1859 to Miss Han- nah, daughter of William Carnes, of Pymatuning Township, and by this mar- riage they have seven children: Victor H., William G., Gertrude, Mertie, Min- nie, Cora and Bessie. Mr. Dunham was appointed postmaster of Sharpsville in 1869, which office he held until 1885. He is also connected with the G. A. R., Post No. 234, of Sharpsville, a member of the I. O. O. F., No. 739, and the K. of P., Lodge No. 163, both of Sharpsville. Politically Mr. Dun- ham is a Republican.

THEODORE M. FORD is a son of Darius and Samantha (Butler) Ford. He was born April 5, 1830, in Chautauqua County, N. Y., and received his edu- cation in the common schools of his native county. In 1848 he entered the employ of Tomlinson & Co., grocery and commission dealers, of Erie, Penn., where he remained for two years. From Erie he went in the winter of 1850- 51 to Aspinwall (now Colon), as receiving clerk for the Panama Railroad, then

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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

just building, and had the honor of unloading from the brig "Tartar" the first locomotive that went onto that road. He then engaged in the lumber business, and conducted it in various localities, in connection with his farming in Chautauqua County, N. Y., and Crawford County, Penn. In 1870 he engaged with the late Gen. James Pierce, at Sharpsville, in his book-keeping department, where he remained until 1874, when he engaged in mercantile business, which he carried on until 1878. In 1882 he received the appoint- ment of auditor for the Sharpsville Railroad, which position he filled until 1886. In that year he entered the employ of Jonas J. Pierce, as book-keeper, where he remained until 1887. In 1887, in connection with C. E. Agnew and W. A. Lynch, they formed the company known as Agnew, Lynch & Co., contractors and builders, and dealers in building materials, coal and lumber. In 1858 our subject was married to Miss Phebe, daughter of John Rodgers, of Silver Creek Township, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and by this marriage they have three children: Fannie F., wife of C. B. Allen; Kate L. and Edith Our sub- ject is a member of the F. & A. M., Sharpsville Lodge No. 517, Royal Arch Chapter 244 of Sharon; also of the R. T. of T. Council, No. 27, of Sharpsville. Mr. Ford is a member of the Universalist Church of Sharpsville, filling the office of clerk and treasurer. In politics he is a Republican.

JOHN D. HADLEY, agent for fire, life and accident insurance, is the second son of David and Jane (Robinson) Hadley, of Hadley Station. He was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, May 25, 1832, and came to Mercer County with his parents in 1843. In 1850 he started in life by learning the blacksmith's trade, which occupation he followed for seventeen years, at Hadley and else- where. In 1867 he moved to Hubbard, Ohio, where he worked at his trade for one year, and then engaged in the drug business, and afterward in the wholesale and retail feed business. In 1873 he located at Sharpsville, and established a flour and feed store, which he conducted for three years, and engaged in the grocery business. His store was burned in June, 1887, and since that time he has followed his present insurance business. March 3, 1853, he married Miss Mary, daughter of John and Ruth McClure, of Clarks Mills. She died April 12, 1865, leaving five children, one of whom married John McElwain, and died in January, 1874. The living children are Loretta, wife of William H. Bell, of Youngstown, Ohio; Ruth E., wife of Deloss Long- street, of Hadley, and have Hiram, Mary, Bessie, Albert; David M., engaged in the livery business at Sharpsville, married Constance Holstein, of Sharps- ville; John B., of the firm of Hadley & Maxwell, grocers, etc., Sharpsville, married Alice Ashton, of Sharon. Our subject was again married in 1866 to Lucy A., daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth McKey, of Sandy Creek Township. The children of this union are Jane E., wife of R. G. Maxwell, of Sharpsville, and has one child, Helen; W. C., station agent at Sharpsville for the Sharpsville Railroad Company, married Miss Catherine, daughter of Rut Collins, of West Middlesex; George G., brakesman on the Sharpsville Railroad; Alice S. and Clara G. Mr. Hadley has held several borough offices, and is now serving as school director. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., No. 71, of Sharpsville, of the E. A. U., No. 359, and of the Protected Home Circle, No. 3, of Sharpsville. He and family are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is an elder. He is a strong temperance advocate, and votes the Prohibition ticket.

THOMAS O. HAZEN, justice of the peace, real estate and insurance agent and dealer in wall and window shades, is a son of Ziba and Milcah (Perrine) Hazen, who are natives of Hickory and Worth Townships, respectively. Nathaniel Hazen, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Massachusetts, and was one of the early settlers of Mercer County. Our subject was born in Hickory

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Township in 1842, and was reared and educated in the common schools of the same township, and graded schools of Sharon, Penn. He learned the painter's trade, which he followed in the summer, and taught school in the winter for twelve years. In 1872 he engaged in the lumber business in Sharpsville, which he carried on for six years. In 1878 he engaged in his present busi- ness, as a dealer in wall paper and window shades, and the same year was elected justice of the peace, which office he continues to fill. Mr. Hazen also represents the following insurance companies as their agent for this locality: Phoenix, of Hartford, Conn., Reading, of Reading, Penn., and the Dwelling House Insurance Co., of Boston, Mass. In politics our subject is a Re- publican. He was married in 1865 to Miss A. V. McDowell, daughter of Jo- siah McDowell, of Crawford County, Penn., who died in 1869, leaving one son, Elton E., who died in 1872. Mr. Hazen's second wife was Miss Eva McDowell, sister of his first wife, and by this marriage they have one child, Birdie May. Our subject is a member of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 739, of Sharpsville, Lodge A. O. U. W. No. 71 of Sharpsville, and the E. A. U. Union, No. 359, of Sharpsville. He is also a member of the First Universalist Church of Sharpsville, and rung the first Universalist Church bell that was ever rung in Mercer County. Mr. Hazen is of Scotch and Welsh descent.

SAMUEL W. HAZEN, publisher of the Sharpsville Times, is a son of A. B. Hazen, and was born in Hickory Township in 1863. He received his edu- cation in the public schools of Sharpsville, and was engaged in teaching for some years, when he connected himself with M. W. Thompson in the estab- lishing of the Sharpsville Times. Our subject is a Republican in politics and a progressive citizen, always ready to advance by his personal interest any movement of a public nature.

WILLIAM HOFIUS, the third son of George Hofius, was born May 12, 1806, in Hickory Township, where he spent the early years of his life on the home- stead farm, and was engaged in farming. About 1847-48 he removed to Jackson County, Iowa, where he now resides. He married Martha, daughter of Thomas Dugan, of Trumbull County, Ohio, who died in 1841, leaving seven children: Seth, Azariah, Jonathan, Hulda, Mrs. Bently, of Iowa; Marilda, wife of John Damond, of Iowa; Mary A., Martha, Mrs. Melvin J. Thompson. His second wife was Mrs. Vaughn, and by this marriage they have one child, George.

Seth, the eldest son of William, was born in May, 1829, in Hickory Town- ship, where he was reared and educated. In 1846 he entered the employ of Himrod & Vincent, subsequently working at the different furnaces located in Clarion and Venango Counties, Penn., Youngstown, Ohio, and West Mid- dlesex, Penn. In 1858 he removed to Mineral Ridge and took charge of the works at that place for James Wood & Warner. He subsequently was engaged as superintendent for James Wood, Sons & Co., of Wheatland. He also had charge of the Mount Hickory Iron Co. works at Sharpsville. He then removed to Buffalo, N. Y., and took charge of the Buffalo Iron & Nail Co.'s works. In 1882 he located in Ohio, and engaged in farming, where his family now re- sides. In 1886 he was placed in charge of the Spearman Iron Furnace at Sharpsville, which position he now fills. Our subject was married in 1850 to Miss Elizabeth Maxwell, of West Middlesex, Penn., and by this union they have five children: William D., Lewis W., Frank, Annie J., wife of Henry Sibes, of Buffalo, N. Y., and Harriet, wife of William Fair, of the same city. Mrs. Hofius died in 1862, and our subject was again married in 1867 to Miss Margaret McGowan, of Campfield, Ohio, and by this marriage they have five children: Walter, Charley, Blanch, Seth and James.

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William D. Hofius, the eldest son of Seth, was born September 25, 1852, at West Middlesex. He was reared and educated at Mineral Ridge, Ohio, Wheatland and Sharpsville. At the age of twenty he engaged in the iron business as furnaceman, and followed that business as an occupation until 1883, when he engaged in the foundry and machine business with Charles F. Eld- ridge, under the firm name of Hofius & Eldridge, located at Sharpsville. He is also operating the Grafton Furnace at Leetonia, Ohio, under the name of McKeefrey & Hofius. Mr. Hofius was married in 1882 to Miss Emma K., daughter of Louis Laux, of Baltimore, Md. Our subject is a member of the F. & A. M., Lodge No. 250, Norman Chapter 244 and Commandery No. 50, of Sharon.

HENRY KAUFMAN, livery, is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Speigelmyer) Kaufman. Our subject was born in Delaware Township, December 12, 1856. He received his education at the public schools of his township. He was engaged in farming on the homestead until 1880, when he located at Mercer and engaged in the butcher business. In 1881 he located at Sharpsville and engaged in his present business. Our subject was married in October, 1883, to Miss Ella, daughter of John Shell, of New Hamburg. Mrs. Kaufman died in 1884, leaving one son, Harley A., who died in 1884. Our subject married for his second wife, in 1887, Miss Maggie, daughter of Joshua Reichard, of New Hamburg, Mercer Co., Penn., and by this marriage they have one daugh- ter, Bertha L. Politically Mr. Kaufman is a Democrat.

GEORGE D. KELLY, of Pierce, Kelly & Co., iron manufacturers, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1843. His parents are Moses and Jane M. (Howe) Kelly. His father was a native of Livingston County, N. Y., and his mother of New Haven, Conn. Our subject received his education in the select schools of Cleveland, Ohio. At the age of seventeen he was employed as a clerk by the Cuyahoga Furnace Co., of Cleveland, where he remained for two years. He then entered the employ of the late Gen. James Pierce, at the Sharpsville Furnace, as a clerk, remaining in that capacity until 1870, when he entered into co-partnership with James, Jonas J. and Wallace Pierce as manufacturers of iron at the Douglas Furnace. He was united in marriage, in 1870, to Miss Kate, daughter of Calvin C. Wick, of Ashton, Ohio, and by this marriage they have four living children: Clara M., George W., Douglas and Catherine. Mr. Kelly has been identified with the public offices of Sharpsville, filling the office of burgess in 1880-81, also as a member of the council for a number of years. In politics he is independent, but of Republican proclivities.

WILLIS W. KITCH, postmaster and hardware dealer, is a son of John M. and Elizabeth (McCleery) Kitch, both natives of Mercer County. The mother of our subject is the daughter of Alexander McCleery, one of the pioneer settlers of Mercer County. Mr. Kitch was born in Perry Township, and received his education in the public schools. At the age of sixteen he entered the employ of the late Gen. James Pierce as a clerk in his store at Mount Hickory .. In 1872 he located at Sharpsville, and entered the employ of J. W. Mick & Co., hardware dealers, as a clerk. On the death of Mr. Mick, which occurred in 1875, he formed a co-partnership under the firm name of Walter Pierce & Co., as dealers in hardware, which continued until December 31, 1883, when the present firm of Kitch & Mower was organized. Our subject was appointed postmaster November 23, 1885. He was married in 1875 to Miss E., daughter of Hiram and Susan (Henry) Phelps, and by this union they have two children: Walter (born in 1887) and Frances (in 1886). Mr. Kitch is a Democrat, and belongs to the F. & A. M., Lodge 517, of Sharps- ville, Norman Chapter, No. 250, and Rebecca Commandery, No. 50, of Sharon.

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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

JAMES R. LYTLE, engineer, is a son of Hugh and Elizabeth (Robinson) Lytle. The father of our subject settled in Shenango Township in 1813, was a farmer by occupation, and died in 1881, and his wife in 1838. He married for his second wife Sarah Thompson, of Shenango Township, who survives him, and lives in Greenfield. Our subject was the only child, and was born in 1838, in Shenango Township, where he was reared, receiving his education in the common schools of that township, and the private schools of West Middlesex. Mr. Lytle was engaged in farming until 1864. He then engaged as an engineer, and was located at Charleston, Jefferson Township, where he remained until 1872, when he located at Sharpsville, and has been employed at the different furnaces of this place. Mr. Lytle is now located at the Claire Furnace as engineer. When Sharpsville was first incorporated as a borough Mr. Lytle was elected a member of the school board, and was its secretary for three years. In 1881 he was elected justice of the peace, and served one term of five years. He was married in 1860 to Miss Mary J., daughter of Robert Wallace, of Lackawannock Township, and by this mar- riage they have one son, Robert K., who is an engineer at Claire Furnace. Our subject is a member of the F. & A. M., Lodge 517, of Sharpsville, and Norman Chapter 244, Rebecca Commandery No. 50, of Sharon, Penn. He is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Sharpsville, and has filled the offices of steward and class leader for ten years. In politics he is a Democrat.

JAMES C. McDOWELL, prop. of livery stable, son of James H. and Fanny F. (Byerly) McDowell, was born September 13, 1848, in Jefferson Township; was reared on the homestead farm; received his early education at the common schools of the township; completed his education at New Brighton College, and after graduating engaged in farming until 1883, when he located at Sharpsville, and engaged in the livery business. Our subject was married in 1868 to Miss Sarah, daughter of Branton Holstein, of Mercer. By this union they have three children: Charles, Constance and Branton. In 1866 Mr. McDowell was elected burgess of Sharpsville, and re-elected in 1887. Our subject is a member of the A. O. U. W., No. 127, of Sharpsville, also of the K. of P.

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History of Mercer County, Pennsylvania : its past and present, Part 112

Author: Publication date: 1888 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk Number of Pages: 1288

Author:
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk
Number of Pages: 1288